JUNE 16,  Matthew 12:30

Caleb and Colin watched as their little brother played soccer in the park. Their father soon arrived and took a seat on the grass next to them. “How’s Charles doing?” asked Dad.

“Good,” answered Caleb. “He got to move the ball a couple of times.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” said Dad. “Charles has been so excited about being a member of the soccer team.” Dad smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that kind of enthusiasm,” he added.

“Not me,” Colin blurted out. “I see it all the time, but not over soccer. There’s this boy in my class – Nick - and he’s about as excited over math as Charles is over soccer. Can you believe it?” Colin shook his head. “Nick gets called all sorts of names,” he added. “All the guys make fun of him.”

“I hope you’re not one of those guys,” said Dad. Colin swallowed. “Aw, we’re not really mean to him,” he mumbled. Dad shook his head in disapproval. “We’re?” he asked. “It sounds to me like you are one of the boys making fun of him.”

“Well, you got to admit he’s kind of . . .” began Colin, but he was interrupted by Caleb, who suddenly stood up and started shouting.

“Stop, Charles! Stop!” yelled Caleb. He turned toward his father. “Charles is kicking the ball toward the wrong side!” he exclaimed.

Colin jumped up, too. “Oh, no! Charles!” he called. “You’re helping the wrong team!” Unfortunately, Charles didn’t stop. He kicked the ball right into his team’s goal, scoring a point against his own team. Colin sighed heavily as he dropped to his seat. “It looks like he forgot which team he belongs to.”

Dad nodded. “Yes, and he’s going to feel bad about that,” he said. Looking thoughtfully at Colin, Dad asked, “You’re sure you don’t do that?” “Me!” Colin was shocked. “No chance!”

“I wonder,” replied Dad. “Just remember that any time you team up with kids who are cruel to others, you’re forgetting that you belong on Jesus’ team. Your actions show whether or not you’re scoring points for His team or for Satan’s team. Okay?” Startled, Colin slowly nodded.

Thought: Do your actions show that you’re on Jesus’ team?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me You want those who are on Your team to live the way You would. Help me realize it is necessary to stop doing things I know are not pleasing to God – that I may instead be kind and helpful. In Jesus’ name – amen.